- Main Entry:
- foun·da·tion

- Pronunciation:
-
\fau̇n-ˈdā-shən\
- Function:
- noun
- Date:
- 14th century
1: the act of founding2: a basis (as a tenet, principle, or axiom) upon which something stands or is supported <the foundations of geometry> <the rumor is without foundation in fact>3 a: funds given for the permanent support of an institution : endowment b: an organization or institution established by endowment with provision for future maintenance4: an underlying base or support; especially : the whole masonry substructure of a building5 a: a body or ground upon which something is built up or overlaid b: a woman's supporting undergarment : corset c: a cosmetic usually used as a base for makeup
—
foun·da·tion·al
\-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
— foun·da·tion·al·ly adverb
—
foun·da·tion·less
\-shən-ləs\ adjective